n

n

n

nNing removed the Emperor's memory. From now on, he wouldn't wake up in the dead of night, recalling his father's haunting death.

nHe also removed all knowledge about the prince's grandfather's diary from the prince.

n'I can't believe removing memories was this simple,' Ning thought. He left the prince's chambers and went to his room.

n

"Lisa must be quite sad,

" he thought. Learning the truth about her mother's death, learning that it was related to her eldest brother couldn't have been easy for her.

n

"Well, at least she's not al— Shit!

"

nNing disappeared at once and appeared just outside the desert where Reever was selling his stuff now.

nNing walked up to him and asked,

"You doing fine?

"

n

"Ah, brother Ning, you're back. I thought I would've had to go to the city tonight,

" Reever said.

n

"Uhh… how long before you are done here? Your wife needs you right now,

" Ning said.

n

"Lisa needs me? Why?

" Reever asked.

n

"There's… been a revelation in the palace,

" Ning said.

"It's better if you end it quickly and return back.

"

n

"One moment,

" Reever turned around.

n

"Everyone, listen up. You don't have to sell me anything. Do what you've been doing all this time, grab a train and go to the city to sell all you want. You will earn a lot more than you are with me.

"

n

"Here!

" Reever threw a storage locket at the people.

"There are flour and dry food in there, eat accordingly.

"

n

"Let's go,

" Reever turned around and walked with Ning.

nNing teleported him back to the palace, and Reever immediately went to give company to Lisa. He on the other hand had nothing to do anymore.

nIt was starting to get dark outside, so he went to lay on his bed. It had truly been a long day.

nHowever, he felt like there was one more thing he had to do before he went to sleep. So, he disappeared.

n* * * * *

nNing woke up early in the morning and went to have breakfast. However, before he could reach the kitchen, old man Tim found him.

n'Dammit, he better not bother me about yesterday's conflict. I don't have the time for that,' he thought.

n

"Ning, can you come with me?

" old man Tim asked.

n

"What is it, senior Tim?

" Ning asked while following behind him.

n

"His Majesty is looking for you,

" the old man said.

n

"Oh,

" Ning was a little surprised. He hadn't thought the Emperor would want to see him this early.

nNing followed him and went to the Throne Room where the Emperor was waiting for him.

n

"Thank you for coming, mister Ning,

" the Emperor said from on top of his throne.

n

"You called me your Majesty. Of course, I have to come,

" Ning said.

n

"Oh, you're addressing me respectfully today,

" the Emperor said in a jovial tone.

nOld man Tim who was standing behind Ning couldn't believe what he was seeing. His emperor, who was known to be stoic, sometimes even gloomy around the morning was speaking so cheerfully.

n'What happened?' he wondered.

n

"Tim, you can leave,

" the Emperor said.

n

"Yes, your majesty,

" Tim backed away slowly and left out of the door.

n

"So, why was I called here today?

" Ning asked.

n

"First of all, let me ask you, what Aether rank are you?

" the Emperor asked.

n

"I would rather not say it out loud,

" Ning said.

n

"Very well,

" the Emperor said.

"And, your ability to heal despite being stabbed through the chest?

"

nNing smiled at the Emperor.

n

"I see,

" The Emperor understood he was getting no answers.

"Here's the reason I called you.

"

nNing listened intently.

n

"I… I am facing a bit of opposition from my own family because of your actions yesterday. While I thank you for what you did yesterday, you did drag my son through the entire palace,

" the Emperor said.

n

"I don't see the point of this conversation yet, your Majesty,

" Ning said.

nThe emperor tried to speak more but just sighed.

"My family, especially the Empress wants you to get thrown out of the palace. She doesn't want a guard who can't respect her or the family,

" the Emperor said.

nNing looked at the Emperor and asked,

"Do you want to throw me out?

"

n

"Honestly? No. I would rather you stay by my side and protect me,

" the Emperor said.

"I want you to be part of my shadow guard. That is the only way I can… make you disappear from the palace without my wives knowing it.

"

n

"I see,

" Ning said.

"That's a fantastic idea, your majesty.

"

nThe Emperor was just about to get happy when,

n

"However,

" Ning continued.

"I will have to say no. I was only here to make sure your daughter and son-in-law were out of danger, and now that they are safe, I… really don't see a reason to stick around.

"

n

"Huh? You're leaving?

" the Emperor asked.

n

"Well, I was planning to stick around just a few weeks longer, but since I'm apparently being thrown out of the palace, it might be better for me to leave today,

" Ning said.

n

"But… but the threat on my children is still there. It's not gone entirely. Surely you can stick around a little longer, right?

" the Emperor asked.

n

"Ah, you must mean the Shadow Pavillion. You won't need to worry about them anymore,' Ning said.

n

"I don't need to worry about them?

" the Emperor questioned.

n

"Yes, I have dealt with them already. You can relax now,

" Ning said.

n

"You… did you do something to the assassins?

"

n

"Uhh… let's just say I gave the group a very stern talk and made them see why it was a bad idea to go after the prince and princesses of Xandria.

"

n

"They were really good at picking up suggestions and promised never to take any more job regarding the royal family of Xandria,

" Ning said.

nThe Emperor's eyes went wide in shock. He wondered what Ning could have possibly done to the assassins to force them to follow him.

n

"Anyway, since I have classes soon, I shall go meet up with the princess and prince consort and give them my goodbyes.. See you later, your Majesty.

"

n